AnMed Health in Anderson is asking visitors who don't have to come to the hospital to stay home to prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses.

The hospital is also advising the public to come to the ER only in the event of an emergency because of an unusually high number of patients with the flu.

AnMed asks that those who do need to come to the hospital limit their visits to essential family only. All non-family and children, and anyone with symptoms of flu or gastrointestinal illnesses, are asked to stay away.

The hospital also asks those who do visit to clean their hand frequently.